Using meteorological data to determine the risk of heat stress

Abstract

This paper first proposes a technique of computing air temperature and humidity in stables based on outdoor air parameters and biological production of animals. The computation technique is outlined. The calculated values are then used to assess the potential of evaporation cooling in mild climatic conditions. Graphs illustrate the assumed effect of evaporation cooling equipment inside a stable housing of egg laying hens. Used in the computation were hourly meteorological readings obtained during the period May to August in years 2000 to 2002, in the locality with a potential installation of a cooling system. Other Graphs illustrate the time the animals spent in an environment with a particular air temperature. For instance in June 2002, the time animals in the stable were exposed to temperatures 27°C or higher was reduced by using an air cooling system from 39 h to 22 h, and in July 2002 from 33 h to 4 h. The envisaged model can be modified for other kinds of gallinaceous poultry and pigs.